imagination OSHC

Learning update

This week at Imagination, we have implemented a loose parts play corner. Loose parts play is a theory created by an architect in the 1970s. The theory is based on the idea that when children are presented with loose parts (small objects), they are given the opportunity to resource their own learning, through experimenting, hypothesising, rearranging, redesigning, and tinkering. 

Through loose parts play, children can explore and develop their innate creativity and imagination.  

So far, students have really loved this area. We are noticing that students are communicating with their peers and educators to express their creations. Students are using their imagination, curiosity, and abstract thinking. It has facilitated collaboration with other students at Imagination, and they are learning to share materials. When the educators ask the students about their creations, the students engage in storytelling and build on their communication skills. 

In our children’s ideas meeting on Monday 6 June, Ronan and Raewyn suggested that we find materials from around the school yard. This led to the Imagination students going on a hunt for natural materials outside. Leaves, rocks, gum nuts, pinecones, sticks, and flowers were collected. This gave the students a greater connection to their creations, as they resourced their own materials and learning. 

There are so many benefits to loose parts play, and we are excited to see what the students come up with in this area!

Vacation Care

The July Vacation Care program is now available. The students have been very busy coming up with the planned activities for Vacation Care and are excited about the upcoming program.

The due date for this booking form is Monday 20 June. There are a few days where the maximum number of students is limited (60). 

This includes all the excursions and the Planetarium incursion. 

We will be placing on our Imagination window which days have been fully booked.  

These forms cannot be completed until an Imagination enrolment form has been completed for 2022.

Students with a medical condition cannot attend until medication, medical action plan and risk minimisation plan have been given to the Imagination Coordinator.  

Imagination enrolment 

To keep your child safe at Imagination, we kindly request that you fill in the Imagination OSHC 2022 enrolment form.

Whilst this might feel like a 'double up' please understand that the regulations and requirements between school education and childcare are different.  Our duty of care for students will be maximised if the information is up to date and accurate.

Also noted, is that Fully Booked accounts have, in some cases, not been updated for a couple of years. Your assistance with keeping all important information about your child current is much appreciated by the Imagination team.

Medical information

A friendly reminder that if your child/ren is/are diagnosed with a medical condition, please ensure an updated medical action plan, risk minimisation plan and medication are provided to Imagination. 

All these forms are available at Imagination or through email. 

All children with allergies must have a current ASCIA action plan for anaphylaxis or an ASCIA action plan for allergic reactions. 

If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, please ensure that you also provide educators with an asthma care plan which has been completed by your child’s medical practitioner. 

For all other medical conditions, please complete a medical conditions risk minimisation form. 

Medical action plans need to be reviewed annually, or as the doctor requests. 

Please attach a current photo of your child to the medical action plan. 

In conjunction with the medical action plans, an Imagination medical condition risk minimisation is required. This form does not need to be completed by a medical practitioner. This form will provide all educators with valuable knowledge on how to reduce the risks of a medical emergency for your child. 

Please also ensure that ALL medication provided to Imagination is in its original packaging, which is clearly labelled with a pharmacy label that states your child’s name, date of birth, and dosage requirements. The label needs to be attached to either the bottle of medication or the canister of the Asthma inhaler.

Your child cannot attend Imagination until these are up to date.

Ali Flynn (Imagination Coordinator)